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David Higgs to open ‘twisted Italian’ restaurant and bar

From the opening of his live-fire restaurant Marble in 2016 and the launch of his speciality butchery, to a successful season of judging on My Kitchen Rules SA and the publication of his first recipe book, chef David Higgs has been a very busy man of late. To add to his already impressive repertoire, the Marble chef is gearing up for another venture with business partner and entrepreneur Gary Kyriacou. This comes in the form of Saint, a stylish ‘twisted Italian’-inspired restaurant and bar in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg.

Gary Kyriacou, Irene Kyriacou and David Higgs outside The MARC where Saint will be located. Photo supplied.

Set to open this August in the newly developed MARC building, this new eatery and bar won’t be your run-of-the-mill pizza spot. The finer details of the menu are still in the works but it will definitely feature traditional pizzas and pastas, as well as a range of dishes cooked on woks and in David’s signature style, on open fire.

“It’s not an Italian restaurant but there will be a definite Italian feel. The food will be Italian but twisted,” David describes. The menu will also cater for the business lunch crowd with faster, healthier food.

The concept, which is inspired by the phrase ‘pazzo Italiano’ (meaning ‘mad Italian’), is set to fit in perfectly with the stylish, fast-paced area of Sandton. “Saint will be a great space for Sandton’s trendy, up-and-coming business crowd, and will serve dishes for people on the move – quick to prepare, but tasty and good to look at,” explains Gary.

The 1000m² space will seat approximately 230 people and will also feature a large bar and balcony seating that will cater for after-work drinks. As for the look and feel, Irene Kyriacou will take on the design and décor, along with Reddeco, to create a space with a contemporary yet cheeky atmosphere. “It will be playful, a combination of old and new; juxtapositioned textures and vibrant colour,” she explains.

Saint will open in August 2018 and will be located in The MARC Building on Rivonia Road, Sandton. Stay tuned to Eat Out for further developments.

Hi Xolani, sounds like your career is off to a great start! You’ll have to contact David Higgs directly though – try him on Instagram or Twitter? Or you can always contact him through the restaurant 🙂 Good luck!